Bhakta 1928 Straight Rye Whiskey with Calvados and Armagnac

 

Do you ever have one of those incredibly unique bottles that comes your way that is so exciting you don't even know where to begin?  We are going to be completely transparent when we say that we were skeptical about this brand at first, only to be proven wrong on so many levels.  Founder Raj Peter Bhakta is just creating a footprint in the spirits world.  He is planting a flag - a BIG one - and is generating excitement for what most consider a completely new category that we call Vintage Rare Blended Whskey.

If Bhakta's name sounds familiar, it is because he is the founder of WhistlePig Whiskey, a top tier luxury rye whiskey brand that helped lay the foundation of this venture.  In 2019, he sold his stake in WhistlePig and he eventually landed in Condom, France, discovering and purchasing an ancient cellar of Armagnac dating back to 1868.  The rest?  Well, that's history.

In order to truly appreciate what Bhakta is doing with this brand, you have to first understand and value this history and production of Armagnac.  Armagnac is France's most ancient distilled spirit with a rich and colorful history dating back to 1310.  It is a brandy meaning "burnt wine" and is the lesser known family member to the ever popular Cognac.  

While Cognac is very popular worldwide and is produced in grand scale, Armagnac is fashioned using wood-fired alembic stills by very small family producers.  Armagnac can include up to ten different grape varieties and is distilled singularly.  It is truly a labor of love, with an emphasis on quality.

Prior to this tasting, we had seen very limited bottles of Bhakta in a select number of higher end liquor stores.  When you read the details on this 1928 bottle, you really appreciate everything that goes into (literally) this blend:

• 60% is 2018 Rye Whiskey
• 30% is XO Calvados Brandy
• 10% is Armagnac from 1928, 1941, 1962, 1973 and 1996

This is expert blending on a grander scale.  To think that some of what you are consuming is 30 to nearly 100 years old is mind blowing.  It makes us wonder what was happening all of those decades ago?  Surely all of the distillers from 1928 died many years ago.  Oh, if we could only listen to their stories.  But they live on in this delicious drink!

Safron and Tangelo colors with golden raisin hues.  Vanilla custard, apricot, spring boquet on the nose.  Initially we tasted homemade caramel candy, vanilla, mild grilling spices and roasted nuts.  After some time in the glass (tasted neat, of course) we noticed an introduction of cocoa bits, vanilla, oak and dried citrus fruits.  The flavors and overall tasting experience remain for moments while you anticipate the next sip.  This is one of the more affordable releases in the portfolio, but it is not an entry-level bottle by any means.  

For those of you who have been wondering what is in the Bhakta bottle, we can confirm that they do not have an identity crisis.  They are setting the bar for Vintage Rare Blended Whiskey.  Our score on this included not only what is in the bottle, but also the packaging, uniqueness, availability and price.  Home runs all around!

ABV:  50.0% (100 proof)

Distillery:  Bhakta Spirits

Suggested retail price:  $69.00

Drink The Bottles score:  97/100

Jack Daniel's Launches Distillery Series Selection #16

 

Jack Daniel’s Launches Limited Edition Tennessee Rye

Whiskey Finished in Table Syrup Barrels

Jack Daniel’s Distillery Selection #16 brings together rye spice and Southern sweetness

in this barrel proof release

Lynchburg, Tennessee (December 4, 2025) – The Jack Daniel Distillery introduces Distillery Series #16, a barrel proof Tennessee Rye Whiskey finished in table syrup barrels, as the latest innovation in its Distillery Series line of experimental whiskeys.

The new expression begins with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye Whiskey, crafted from a mash bill of 70% rye, 18% corn, and 12% malted barley and matured in new charred white oak barrels. The rye whiskey is then finished in barrels that once held a Southern-style table syrup, adding rich layers of sweetness that complement and elevate its bold rye character.

“The Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series is all about exploring new ideas, and the complex nature of our Tennessee Rye Whiskey makes a great canvas for experimentation,” said Byron Copeland, Jack Daniel’s Barrel Maturation Manager and Master Taster. “Thanksto what we can do with our barrels, the finish adds a sweetness and depth that’s completely unique but unmistakably Jack.”

Distillery Series #16 opens with notes of salted caramel and a warm backbone of rye spice. The syrup-seasoned barrels add sweetness and depth without overshadowing the whiskey’s natural complexity, creating a balanced expression.

Jack Daniel's Distillery Series #16 is bottled at 111.4 proof (55.7% abv) in 375ml bottles. It will be available exclusively in Tennessee and at the White Rabbit Bottle Shop in Lynchburg starting December 6, coinciding with the annual lighting of the Jack Daniel's Barrel Tree. The suggested retail price is $44.75 plus tax.

For more information, visit www.jackdaniels.com.

2025 Holiday Gift Guide

Are you looking for an extra special gift for the drink enthusiasts in your life?  Gift-giving can be difficult but we are making it easier for you with our Holiday Gift Guide.  This year, our guide includes whiskey, wine and cigars, including some very hard-to-find (but still available) bottles while they last.  Every listing has a link where you can shop directly with the brand.  Happy Holidays!

Hooten Young & Jack Carr Warrior Proof American Whiskey

The team at Hooten Young still has some bottles left of this incredible 16 year limited bottle of whiskey.  Hooten Young is a proud American company that partnered with #1 New York Times bestselling author, retired Navy SEAL, and creator of The Terminal List series, Jack Carr.  Together they produced a whiskey that is the perfect sipper for both friends, veterans and active military members alike.  

At 125 proof and a mashbill of Corn (99%) and Barley (1%), this bottle is on the sweeter side, but well rounded by flavors and aromas of apple pie, buttery flaky crust, nutmeg, allspice and vanilla.  Smooth and sweet in every drop.  We tasted this one neat, but it is versatile enough to show you what is has with a single ice cube as well.

Hooten Young & Jack Carr Cigar

For those who love a quality cigar with their whiskey, you can't pass up the Hooten Young & Jack Carr Cigar packs.  Available in a 5-pack or 20-count box, these are hand-rolled at Tabacalera Diaz Cabrera in Santiago, Dominican Republic.  Wrapped in a silky Corojo leaf and bound by a rich Dominican grown San Andrés seed binder, these cigars are filled with select Dominican tobacco highlighted by Piloto Cubano, offering a complex profile of depth, strength and balance.   Ordering deadline with Hooten Young is December 8th to guarantee these gifts will be under your Christmas tree!

NIKKA WHISKY FROM THE BARREL

Nikka From The Barrel is a blended whisky which was released in 1985.  The development of this expression started with an aim to deliver full flavors and richness of whisky like "from the barrel", which only blenders can sniff and taste.  The secret behind its gorgeous flavor is the unique combination of complex blending, higher ABV of 51.4% and "marriage process. 

The iconic square bottle reflects its concept "a small block of whisky" and embodies the intense and rich flavors of the whisky inside.  Long after its launch, this bottle is still timeless and recognized for its ultimate simplicity.

For those who love Japanes whisky or want to brand out and discover something new for their palate, you really can't go wrong with this expression from Nikka.  The complex formula is created by blending more than 100 different batches of malt and grain whiskies.  After blending, the whisky is filled into used barrels and matured for another few months.  This "marriage" process harmonizes all components in the formula, resulting in a mellow taste.  This is a 500mL bottle.  As a bonus, this smaller size bottle will fit great in most Christmas stockings!

 友人や大切な人と一緒に飲むと楽しい気分になりますように。

Stillman's Sonder American Single Malt Whiskey

From Dancing Goat Distillery of Cambridge, Wisconsin comes two very unique and memorable gift ideas for your holiday shopping this season.  This is an American Single Malt Whiskey, called Stillman's Sonder, boasting a 10 year age statement.  This project began as orphaned barrels without an identity and culminated into a whiskey that took a decade to create.  Through three rounds of blending, finishing, and re-barreling, the Dancing Goat Distillery team created this polished and reimagined Single Malt Whiskey ready for your glass.

This whiskey is blended for consistency utilizing:

• Virgin oak casks, at several toast and char points
• Ex-bourbon casks
• Wisconsin brandy casks
• Cognac casks
• Calvados casks

Berens Old Fashioed Brandy

Dancing Goat Distillery has partnered with Charlie Berens to create a ready-to-drink Old Fashioned Brandy that is a real palate pleaser.  Berens is a Wisconsin nateive, comedian and author of the New York Times bestseller, The Midwest Survival Guide.  The distillery says that this brandy is made from the best grapes in the United States and it sounds like a perfect gift to give this holiday season.  At 90 proof (45.0% ABV) it is super approachable by everyone, even if they aren't a regular spirits drinker.

As a bonus, you can create a Berens Brandy Old Fashioned with this simple recipe:

• 2 oz Berens Old Fashioned Brandy
• Orange wedge
• Cherry
• Sugar cube
• 2-3 dashes of your favorite Bitters
• Sweet, sour or press floater
• Ice (don't overdo it)

Drop your orange wedge in the glass and add the sugar cube.  Toss in the cherry and Bitters.  Muddle until you're happy and then add Berens Old Fashioned Brandy.  Pop in a couple of ice cubes and then add your floater.   Drink, smile, repeat.

Johnny Pickles Distillery Red Stinger Hibiscus Whiskey

If this bottle looks familiar to you, it is because we shared our thoughts on this back in October.  From Johnny Pickles Distillery in Texas comes one of the most unique tasting whiskey bottles to ever grace our tongues.  This easy-sipping, 80 proof whiskey is made of 100% local corn and is infused with hibiscus and other natural botanicals to present flavors that make you wonder if you're really drinking whiskey.  Sweetened with Stevia, the color is dark red and reminiscent of Merlot wine with the viscosity of a Ruby port.  

This drink is very versatile - neat, rocks, add a splash of soda and easy to pair with spicy foods!  In addition to Red Stinger Hibiscus Whiskey from Johnny Pickles Distillery, make sure you check out their other spirits for the holiday season!  

The Ingram Distillery Whiskeys

The Ingram Distillery uses what nature gave us, the Mississippi River, to age and mellow their whiskeys on floating barrelhouses.  This creates extraordinary spirits that are highly revered by whiskey lovers while offered at a pricepoint that is attractive for everyone.

Bourbon 105 Proof

The 105 proof River Aged Bourbon from The Ingram Distillery is a perfect gift for those looking for something they have never experienced.  Unique doesn't begin to describe what you get in the bottle.  The nose of citrus zest, strawberry tart, floral and coffee lay a foundation for flavors of honey, orange peel, cacao, cinnamon and baked apples.  This bourbon gives the taster a long, mellow enjoyable finish with chocolate cream pie, vanilla, carmelized sugars and hints of tobacco.

There is a LOT going on here and everything we have tasted from The Ingram Distillery has really been wonderful.  Elevate your gift-giving this year with this bottle.  You'll not only find a great expression of flavors, but a story that is fun to explore and tell.

Uncharted Bourbon

Long ago, bourbon's journey to the marketplace took the path of America's rivers, where the rise and fall of the water played a subtle yet essential role in its aging.  Today, below the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, our floating rickhouse honors this legacy.  By literally rocking the boat, our unconventional maturation process pays tribute to bourbon's river-aged roots for a complex, mellow and unforgettable taste.

Tasting Notes:  Juicy jam, floral honey, maple, oak spice.

Palate:  Marzipan, cinnamon, and vanilla.

Finish:  Creamy, chocolatey warmth that lingers delightfully.

Paper Boat Cocktail Recipe:

• 3/4 oz Uncharted Bourbon
• 3/4 oz Grand Marnier
• 3/4 oz Aperol
• 3/4 oz Lime Juice

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a glass.  Sip.  Enjoy.  Repeat.

The Ingram Distillery and Drink The Bottles are giving away a bottle of Uncharted Bourbon this month.  Follow us on Instragram for details on how YOU could win a FREE bottle for yourself!

Green River Wheated Bourbon

Have you ever wanted to give someone the World's Best Bourbon?   Well, now you can!  Green River Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon was awarded the Best in Class at the 2025 New York World Spirits Competition and it should be on your gift-giving list this year.  Available online and in most major markets, Green River is "The Whiskey Without Regrets" and that is crystal clear to us and millions of other bourbon lovers.   

At 90 proof (45.0% ABV) this bourbon could easily be considered a daily drinker, as it is incredibly smooth on the palate and the pocket book.  The mash bill is Kentucky Grown Corn (70%), Wheat (21%) and Malted Barley (9%).  This Wheated Bourbon leads with a beautiful peach and caramel aroma coupled with apricot and cinnamon.  On the palate you'll discover toffee, pastry and hazelnut that guide toward a honeyed finish that is smooth and balanced.  

Create lasting memories with your loved ones during the holidays with Green River Wheated Bourbon.  While you're at it, we personally also recommed the Green River Rye Whiskey, which received distinction as the "2024 Drink The Bottles Rye Whiskey of the Year".

Bardstown Bourbon Company Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon

Bardstown Bourbon Company always pushed innovation and boundaries with their unique and memorable releases.  This High Wheat bourbon is another fantastic in their line up.  The six-year bourbon contains a mash bill of Corn (53%), Wheat (39%) and Malted Barley (8%), is estate distilled and presented for your drinking pleasure at a comfortable 106 proof.

Ripe apricot and lemon rest on leather and crème brûlèe.  A bold palate of oak and pastry leads to a lightly spiced, full-bodied finish.  At a price point of $49.99, this is a great gift for everyone who enjoys a high quality bourbon.

Barrell Craft Spirits 2026 New Year Bourbon

This is the tenth anniversary of the New Year Bourbon release from Barrell Craft Spirits.  The cask strength offering is a blend of straight bourbon whiskeys from seven different states, with a derived mash bill of Corn (74%), Rye (21%), Malted Barley (4%) and Wheat (1%).  

Blend Components:

• Indiana Bourbon:  5, 6, 8, 11. and 13 years old
• Kentucky Bourbon:  5, 6, and 10 years old
• Tennessee Bourbon:  8, 10, and 16 years old
• Wyoming Bourbon:  9 and 13 years old
• Maryland Bourbon:  7 and 8 years old
• New York Bourbon:  5 years old
• Ohio Bourbon:  5 years old

This release was blended and bottled in Kentucky and is available while supplies last at $84.99 for a 750mL bottle.  Follow our Instagram this holiday season to see how you can have the opportunity to WIN A FREE BOTTLE of this expression!

15 Stars Artisan Collection Bourbon

Rick and Ricky Johnson of 15 Stars Bourbon blend some insanely good tasting and consistenly top qujality bourbons.  Their Aristan Collection is a blend of 12 and 15 year old bourbons, coming in at 109 proof.   What is in the bottle is sources from undisclosed Indiana and Kentucky distilleries.

Everything we have tasted from 15 Stars has really blown us away.  From most suppliers you expect, over time, to get at least one "eh" bottle, but we have never experienced that from this brand.  

Nose:  Sweet forward with notes of maple and caramel and a dried fuit medley of orange citrus, black cherry, plum and apple.  Nutmeg, cracked pepper, tobacco, fresh oak and hay field balance the sweetness.

Palate:  Caramel and vanilla give way to bold notes of aged oak and old leather followed by dark fruit notes of prune, raisin and plum.

Finish:  Plum and caramel introduce a long finish of dark chocolate, roasted nuts, oaks and leather.  

For someone who has never tasted 15 Stars, this is a top tier bourbon gift that they will treasure.  At $179.00 for a 750mL bottle, you're sure to turn heads and become the favorite gift-giver of the season!

Follow us on Instagram this holiday season for your chance to win a free bottle of this expression!

Seacrets Distilling Company Lemon Drop Vodka

We know that not everyone drinks whiskey, so here's a fun alternative for someone who loves vodka and/or loves creating their own festive cocktails!   Seacrets Distilling Company of Oceanside, Maryland has become the resident experts in distilling and vodka is just one of many feathers in their cap.  They also make an orange flavored vodka (all natural flavoring) and we actually tasted and reviewed both of those bottles in July 2024.

This is a gift that takes little thought.  It's tasty, it's available online and it's only about $25.00.  This is one of the best tasting and versatile flavored vodkas that we have ever tasted and the people on your gift list will surely love it too.

   Follow us on Instagram this holiday season for your chance to win a free bottle of this expression!

Hungry Run Distillery 

From Lewistown, Pennsylvania hails a distillery that crafts small batch spirits that include bourbon, American whiskey, vodka, flavored vodkas, every type of rum, bourbon cream, gin and... more!  If you can dream up the flavor, they probably have it or are working on it for a future release.  Hungry Run Distillery is very popular with the local crowds, offering bottle sales and hand crafted cocktails against a warm and welcoming tasting room.  Live music and appetizers round out the experience.\

Hungry Run Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Currently, Hungry Run Distillery offers a singular bourbon in the portfolio.  Pecan colored with aromas of cinnamon, dried chilis, dried earth and toasted grains.  This has a good backbone with flavors that include vanilla, sourdough bread, leather and baking spices.  It is straight forward but very satisfying and we are going to try to create a couple of cocktails with this at some point.  Tasted neat.  We would love to see what the future holds for Hungry Run Distillery in the bourbon category.  They have a solid product here and can build upon that for some older age stated and blended whiskeys.  Very nice!

Distillery:  Hungry Run Distillery

ABV:  40.0% (80 proof)

Suggested retail price:  $40.00

Drink The Bottles score:  87/100

Hungry Run Distillery Salted Caramel Creme

Jeff has always said that he could give up many things in life, but coffee is a hill he would die on.  And, as is always the case, weekends are made for coffee with a kick.  It seems like the Christmas season also lures us to spiked coffee and the Hungry Run Distillery Salted Caramel Creme fits the bill.  Sure, a lot of folks add bourbon creme to their favorite drink, and that's certainly an option here (HRD has bourbon creme in their lineup!).  But the salted caramel creme brings another dimension to flavored coffee.  Rum and natural flavors add to the sweetness and flavors of burnt butter, caramel, hints of vanilla and baking spices.  

There's not doubt we will finish this bottle during the holiday season as we share it with family and friends.  On our tasting list next is to try this as a spiked milkshake or to simply pour it over vanilla ice cream.  This is definitely a winner!

Distillery:  Hungry Run Distillery

ABV:  20.0% (40 proof)

Suggested retail price:  $32.00

Drink The Bottles score:  89/100

Gehricke Wines

Gehricke Wines is synonymous with Sonoma, California.  They expertly craft wines that are immediately approachable, budget friendly and welcoming for all oenophile levels.  When you think about sharing moments with loved ones during the holidays, wine is always a perfect gift to give.  Wine creates lifetime memories and laughs and it strengthens the bonds of frienships.

Gehricke Wines 2023 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

If you've been around here for awhile, you know our affection for a quality Pinot Noir.  The best Pinot Noir in California comes from the Sonoma Coast and this bottle highlights everything that you love in this varietal.  Mulberry color to the glass rim with aromas of bright red fruits, sandalwood, damp earth and ripe flowers.  There's a wonderful beaming acidity against flavors of juicy plums, black cherry, star anise and rose petal.  This wine feels pure as it lingers for moments on the back of the tongue.  This is distinctly Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and it will literally put a smile on your face.  Cases produced:  3,026.

ABV:  13.2%

Sonoma Coast AVA

Winery:  Gehricke Wines

Suggested retail price:  $29.00

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

Gehricke Wines 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley

We could sum this up in four words - Go get this wine!  When people think California Cabernet their minds tend to wander to Napa Valley.  But for those who really dive deep into wine and explore the entire picture, they appreciate the elegance of Sonoma, California.  We have heard people say that Sonoma is just like Napa Valley, only at a fraction of the price.  While the 10,000 foot picture of that statement might be fair, there is far more to this wine and the Knights Valley AVA that it represents.

This wine is comproised of Cabernet Sauvignon (80%), Petite Sirah (10%), Cabernet Franc (8%) and Merlot (2%).  This creates a wine with a gorgeous dark purple color and soul searhing aromas of black fruits, antique book leather, Pacific Northwest cedar plank and spice cabinet.  Without even taking your first sip, it is mouth-watering.  Dried herbs join plum and blackberry on the palate and in fleeting moments we caught wisps of campfire smoke.  The tannins are refined and the finish is long and memorable.  This wine is simply fantastic!  Cases produced:  4,923.

ABV:  14.2%

Knights Valley AVA

Winery:  Gehricke Wines

Suggested retail price:  $35.00

Drink The Bottles score:  94+/100

Bardstown Bourbon Company Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish

 

To say that we were thrilled to get our hands on another Bardstown Bourbon Company Distillery Reserve bottle would be an understatement.  Historically, these releases have proven to be nothing short of amazing, and this one falls in line with history.  We announced the release of this bottle a couple of weeks ago on our website and the official "go live" sale date was Black Friday - November 28, 2025.  

There were an estimated 3,000 total bottles produced for this release and it was available only at the Bardstown Bourbon Company gift shop and the Louisville Tasting Room and limited to one per person.  This release sold out very quickly and excitement from the two previous Distillery Reserve releases helped fuel that fire.  Bardstown left no detail behind on the packaging of this expression.  The outer box and "customs" ticket are themed with the Normandie release, further fueling the desirability of this bottle for whiskey enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The mashbill for this bottle is a blend of two bourbons:

• 13 Years - Corn (75%), Rye (21%), Malted Barley (4%) 
• 12 Years - Corn (75%), Rye (21%), Malted Barley (4%)

The higher aged stated bourbon makes up 76% of this bottle while the 12-year rounds out the final 24%.  This was finished in Calvados brandy barrels for an impressive 28 months and then took another rest in toasted oak barrels for 4 months.  The result is a apricot and slightly red color bourbon with very rich aromas of muddled cherries, red raspberries, baking spices, toasted nuts and vanilla.

On the palate is a warm and welcoming apple crisp initially, followed by chocolate bits and sweet spices against a very polished mouthfeel.  The finish lingers for moments and the baking spices and rich fruits become the star of the show.  No heat but tons of flavor here!

The Distillery Reserve series will continue into 2026 and beyond and we absolutely love the finishes and incredible blending that Dan Calloway and his team are creating at Bardstown Bourbon Company.  If you want to be the first to know about these exclusive releases, check out The Reserve from the Bardstown Bourbon Company. 

ABV:  52.1% (104.2 proof)

Distillery:  Bardstown Bourbon Company

Suggested retail price:  $99.99

Drink The Bottles score:  94/100

2022 Vint Merlot Robert Mondavi Private Selection

 

One of the rewards of writing about and reviewing wines from all over the world, is the satisfaction we take knowing that not all wines have to be a one-hundred fifty dollar, ninety-five point, single estate stunner.  Since 2011, we have maintained that we write about wines of all varietals and price points with an emphasis on, "if we like the wine, then you will see it here."  And the wine we are discussing today is a perfect case in point.

This is the 2022 Vint California Merlot from Robert Mondavi.  This bottle was born to commemorate thirty years of the Robert Mondavi Private Selection series, which is more of an "every day budget concious" offering that is still full of flavors and attention to detail from the Mondavi winery.  Raspberry jam colored and medium bodies. Aromas of black cherry, plum and whisps of campfire smoke lay a foundation to the straighforward flavors.  Blackberry, coffee bean, vanilla, brown sugar and mild spices play well together, creating a satisfying wine that would be complimentary to a wide variety of foods.  For those who don't drink wine with food, this would be a great place to start.  This wine was fermented in stainless steel and aged in French oak barrels.  

The Robert Mondavi Private Selection is a great way for newer oenophiles to dip their toe into the winery's offering and we think most people will be satisfiled with this bottle.

ABV:  13.5%

Central Coast, California

Winery:  Robert Mondavi Winery

Suggested retail price:  $12.99

Drink The Bottles score:  86/100

Bardstown Bourbon Releases Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish

 

Bardstown Bourbon Scales Centuries Through Latest Distillery Reserve Launch,

Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish

The once forbidden flavor of Calvados casks now awaits discovery through limited-edition distillery exclusive

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (November 18, 2025) - Providing that there is nowhere Bardstown Bourbon Company won't go to push the boudaries of whiskey innovation, the latest launch from the brand's Distillery Reserve is an elevated marriage of French tradition and American craft.

Once forbidden by the Master of State Jean-Baptiste Colbert to protect the French wine brandy trade, cider eua-de vie, Calvados, made the journey from the white chalk cliffs of Noramndy to the home of bourbon innovation, Bardstown Bourbon Company, resulting in a decadent and unexpected blend aptly named Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish.

This release emphasizes Bardstown Bourbon's promise to push the boundaries of traditional whiskey production, crafting bespoke products through experimental finishes, extended aging and uncommon blending.  Nowhere is this approach more evident than through the Distillery Reserve.  Extremely limited in quantity and packaged at 375mL, Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish is the third and final Distillery Reserve release of 2025.  Previous small-batch explorations in the series include Cathedral French Oak and Hokkaido Mizunara Oak, each distinctly showcasing how relentless innovation and global curiosity fuel the brand's rapid growth.

"Three generations of meticulous craftsmanship and nearly 300 gold medals have made Christian Drouin House and icon of Calvados," said Dan Callaway, Master Blender, Lofted Spirits.  "Over the course of the past two years, these five barrels have become the apple of my eye - the most attention per barrel project aging in Bardstown.  The result:  a cross-continent conversation in a glass that bridges centuries of tradition on both sides of the Atlantic."

Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish is a tasting experience borne of curiosity.  Each 59-gallon Calvados cask was filled with a custom bourbon blend of stock aged between 12 and 13 years.  After a 28-month slumber, the whiskey settled into new, medium-toast American white oak, coaxing out layers of caramel, spice and roasted almond.  The result is an elegent confluence of crisp orchard fruit and velvety bourbon sweetness accented by gentle wood smoke and a whisper of vanilla.

Bardstown Bourbon's Distillery Reserve launced in February of this year to much fanfare with the Cathedral 300-Year-Old French Oak featured on 60 Minutes, and continued with Hokkaido Mizunara Oak finish, awarded as Best Bourbon in both Rolling Stone and Esquire's 2025 Spirit Awards.

Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish Distillery Reserve is presented at 104.2 proof (51.2% ABV) and is avaiable in extremely limited quantities at Bardstown Bourbon's distillery gift shop and Louisville Tasting Room beginning Black Friday, November 28, 2025.  Distillery Reserve releases are offered in a small format 375mL and retail for $99.99.

Bardstown Bourbon Company will host a digital raffle allowing a number of bourbon fans the opportunity to purchase all three 2025 Distillery Reserve releases including Cathedral French Oak and Hokkaido Mizunara Oak, and will offer tasting experiences with Master Blender, Dan Callaway.  Details about these offerings will be available exclusively through Bardstown Bourbon's email list.  For more information fans can sign up at BardstownBourbon.com.

Sazerac Rye Whiskey Full Proof Joins the Buffalo Trace Distillery Portfolio

FRANKFORT, KY (November 12, 2025) – Buffalo Trace Distillery is proud to introduce Sazerac Rye Whiskey Full Proof as a permanent addition to its growing Sazerac Rye portfolio. Bottled at 125 proof, this bold new release emerges from the Distillery’s recent expansion and amplifies the brand’s signature spicy, peppery, and dry profile to create a sipping whiskey with remarkable intensity. 

Born out of the spirit of New Orleans, Sazerac Rye Whiskey captures the character of the city: bold, timeless, and unapologetically original. The brand has evolved from a bartender’s best-kept secret into a connoisseur’s staple, with the original 90 proof and the recently launched 100 proof expressions celebrated for their distinctive spice and dry complexity. The addition of Full Proof offers a full-bodied expression crafted for sipping and savoring, highlighting the versatility of Sazerac Rye while reflecting Buffalo Trace Distillery’s commitment to delivering exceptional whiskey experiences for enthusiasts at every stage of their rye journey.

“Rye whiskey is the perfect next step for whiskey drinkers looking for more flavor. Sazerac Rye’s unique, balanced, Kentucky-style recipe makes it the brand whiskey drinkers have trusted for years,” says Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Sazerac Rye Full Proof amplifies the brand’s floral notes of vanilla and clove, along with fruity hints of orange, with just a touch of pepper, proving that rye whiskeys aren’t just great in cocktails—they shine on their own.”

A result of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s $1.2 billion expansion, Sazerac Rye Whiskey Full Proof continues the Distillery’s legacy of innovation and craftsmanship. The addition of new still houses and enhanced distilling capacity enables great production of its core bourbon and rye whiskeys, while also exploring bolder proofs and distinctive flavor profiles that push tradition forward.

“We’re excited to bring another full proof option to fans after they’ve expressed their love for our W.L. Weller and Benchmark full proof offerings,” remarks Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “Our expansion is ten years in the making, and it’s rewarding to see how it’s already allowing us to create more of these whiskeys while maintaining the quality our fans expect.”

Sazerac Rye Whiskey Full Proof opens with bold aromas of rye spice, fresh dill, and smoky oak, immediately signaling its intensity and depth. On the palate, it delivers a surprisingly smooth sweetness up front, followed by floral and herbal notes, supported by rich oak and classic rye grain character throughout. The finish is lightly peppery with a late rye spice that gently lingers, presenting warmth and complexity without being overwhelming.

Sazerac Whiskey Rye Full Proof will be available in select markets beginning November 2025 at select retailers, bars, and restaurants for a suggested retail price of $39.99 per 750ML bottle (taxes and fees vary by market) via Sazerac’s United States distributor networks.

2022 Cline Cellars Eight Spur Zinfandel

 

From Cline Cellars and the Dry Creek Valley Appellation comes the 2022 Eight Spur Zinfandel.  Dry Creek Valley is one of the oldest growing regions in California and the Zinfndel vines resemble small trees that are spur pruned to eight canes, hence the name of this affordable and completely approachable wine.  Coming in at 15% alcohol by volume, the 2022 release is showing off some ripe red raspberries, cranberry and baking spice aromas.  The palate is full of sweet and sour cherry candies, plum, sage, beef stake tomato and sweet spices on the finish.  This is a straightforward and tasty Zinfandel that is very versatile and would pair very well with braised short ribs, a bold blue cheese or even a burger and fries.  This wine is very food friendly with an MSRP of only $35.00 you really can’t go wrong here.  This, in our opinion, is a solid 90-point wine all day long.

The 2023 release is currently available on the Cline Cellars website.  While we have not tasted that particular release, we can bet that it is as equally tasty as the 2022 vintage.  We will tell you that we have never tasted anything from Cline Cellars that wasn't top notch!

Cline Cellars was founded by Fred & Nancy Cline in 1982.   Their portfolio of businesses is impressive and includes a wide array of exceptional products and experiences that we think you’ll enjoy.   If you’re not familiar with the story and history of Cline Cellars, visit ClineCellars.com.

ABV:  15.0%

Dry Creek Valley AVA

Winery:  Cline Family Cellars

Suggested retail price:  $35.00

Drink The Bottles score:  90/100